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First I would like to welcome all of you to the 2008 lacrosse season. I am happy to report that the board has worked very hard over the past few months in attempting to maintain the high standards of the NCLOA and to help make our association better for the future. As I explained in my letter of this past summer, we have begun a new observers program. We are all very excited about the program and know it will assist many new officials in reaching the peak of their games quickly. It will also help those officials who feel they may need a little nudge to get them over the top. I will go into depth on this program at the clinic. We continue in our quest to build a better and more accurate system to elevate officials to the varsity level. We have a long way to go but we will, with persistence make it better. We maintain a very open dialogue with the coaches association and have appointed new scrimmage coordinators, John Tuttle and Steve Rizzi. We thank Dan Shea for all of his time and effort over the past few years and in helping the transition go smoothly. We are now assigning scrimmages to all of our new officials and to our second and third year officials. John and Steve will discuss this at the clinic, but please sign up for scrimmages. Our newer officials need you. Negotiations continue for the three-man game. The OCC is behind us one hundred percent in helping push this through along with the support of all of the major men’s sports. We have challenged the coaches to increase the amount of games requiring three men. Our 2008 incoming new officials class has over thirty-five candidates enrolled. Alex Samminiego is heading the big brothers once again and will be looking for volunteers to help fill this important role in the candidate’s education. I hope that you have found all of the information on the web site helpful. Our exercise program is geared to help you to get into and keep in shape and make your season a lot easier. Please take advantage of this program and contact with Joe the trainer. It is important that we condition ourselves to the highest level. As a wise fellow in the association once said, “we get older, the kids stay the same age”. The game of lacrosse has assimilated into truly the fastest game on two feet. We need to keep up, so please do what it takes and get in shape. Our clinic will be held this year on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at Bethpage High School. We will start the program at 7 PM- Sharp. New this year will be the sale of NCLOA gear including shirts, under Armour and golf shirts along with fleeces. You can order these from Bill Soehner or Bob Clancey at the clinic or at anyone of our meetings over the course of the season. If you are unable to attend the clinic (mandatory meeting), please contact Russ Conti and he will direct you. In closing, I have to make a very sad announcement. I hate to report to you all that I have received and accepted Ray Buckley’s letter of resignation from the NCLOA. After an illustrious career spanning most of his life, Ray has decided to call it. I know I speak for all of the members of the NCLOA when I say how much he will be missed. I look forward to seeing all of you at the clinic where I will certainly go into more depth on all of these subjects. In the meantime, please feel free to call or e-mail me anytime with questions or comments.
Bob DeThomasis Join US LACROSSE
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